La Bohème

La Bohème

Giacomo Puccini

In composing La Bohème, Puccini created what is probably the most moving and
tender love story in operatic literature. Embedded in the most magnificent
melodies, the story of poor Mimì and her Rodolfo leaves no one in the audience
unmoved.

Act 1In the garret: Christmas Eve in the squalid
garret in which four young artists live is hardly likely to be different from
any other night. Marcel is working on a painting, Rodolfo, a poet and writer,
is looking out over the rooftops of Paris. None of them have any money and they
are cold, but nevertheless in good spirits. A bundle of manuscripts provides
warmth from the oven only for a few brief moments. Colline, a philosopher by
profession, comes home empty handed - the pawnshop was closed. But the fourth occupant,
Schaunard, a musician, has had better luck. He talks, but no one listens to him
- the groceries they have brought home with them promise a merry celebration.
But Schaunard has other ideas - they ought rather to be eating out on Christmas
Eve. But another obstacle still has to be overcome: their landlord knocks at
the door demanding the rent. A glass of wine and convivial conversation, and he
falls into the artists' trap: with a wink he tells them of his love affair,
reason enough for the four friends to show him the door to with a display of
moral indignation.

Rodolfo stays behind to finish an article
whilst the others go on ahead to the Café Momus. There is a knock at the door:
the young woman standing outside wishes to relight her candle, which has gone
out. She collapses in a fit of coughing. Grateful for the help she has
received, she makes as if leave again. However, not quite by chance, she has
lost her key: the drafts blows out all the candles. In the darkness, their
hands touch. Her name is Mimì, she tells him, and she embroiders flowers...
Outside Rodolfo's friends are calling him. Somehow Christmas Eve has lost its
gloom.

Act 2The Quartier Latin: The student quarter of
Paris presents a colourful picture, with crowds of people swarming in the
streets. Rodolfo buys a bonnet for Mimì and invites her to the Café Momus,
where he introduces her to his friends, relishing their admiration. Only
Marcel's trouble and strife has a name: Musetta. Escorted by a wealthy old
admirer, she appears to have every intention of pulling out all the stops in
the art of seduction. Marcel cannot cope with such a public display of
affection, and an old flame is rekindled in his heart.

Act 3The Barrière d'Enfer: A gloomy February
morning at the turnpike which separates the Parisian suburbs from the inner
city. Labourers, carters and dairywomen are allowed through the turnpike, past
the tavern bearing a half-finished sign painted by Marcel. Musette's voice
seems to come wafting on the wind. It is bitterly cold.

Mimì has had a quarrel with Rodolfo and
wants Marcel to intercede. Rodolfo seems to be avoiding her, and she does not
know why. But even Marcel does not realize the real reason, which Rodolfo now
reveals to him. Mimì is mortally ill and only has a short time to live; he
cannot bear to see her suffering. But worse is yet to come for him: Mimì has
overheard her death sentence: a fit of coughing reveals her presence. Rodolfo's
love enables him to achieve the seemingly impossible, lessening Mimì's despair
and bringing peace to her tormented heart. A strange contrast is to be seen in
Marcel and Musetta, whose love seems to thrive on discord.

Act 4In the garret: Three or four months have
passed, and Marcel and Rodolfo have lost their loved ones. Whilst they sit at
work, they wonder where Musette and Mimì may be now? Will it ever be possible
to relive the carefree days of yesterday?

This almost seems possible: their mood
improves as soon as Schaunard and Colline arrive with few morsels of food. The
friends try to revive their previous joviality, play acting, dancing,
duelling... Musetta enters with Mimì on her arm. Poor Mimì is haggard and pale.
Everyone gathers round her; gratefully she recognizes her old friends. Musette
and Marcel are reunited at the sight of her. Musetta sells her earrings in
order to fulfil their patient's last wish: a muff. And Colline, a philosopher
with a heart, pawns his old coat. Rodolfo stays behind with the dying Mimì; they
are left alone with their memories.

The friends return with their gifts, a
final pleasure for Mimì. Peacefully she falls into eternal sleep.